Category Archives: Rain/Native Gardens

Washburn Tot Lot Pollinator Garden

Washburn Tot Lot Pollinator Garden

The ANA Green Team brought two new pollinator gardens to life at the Washburn Tot Lot this spring!  The new gardens were installed along the alley in May to provide a safe, beautiful barrier that will benefit our local pollinators like the endangered rusty patched bumblebee.

Our pollinator garden project was recently featured on WCCO – check it out here!

Volunteers Needed to Water the Garden

Our community’s dream of a pollinator garden at the Washburn Tot Lot is HERE! Can you help nurture the new gardens this summer?

We’re also looking for volunteers to adopt two weeks of watering and weeding at the garden throughout the summer and early fall with a buddy. 

Armatage Elementary School students volunteer with U of M Extension educators and Armatage Neighborhood Association members to plant two pollinator gardens in Washburn Ave. Totlot.

Spring Planting Days

The Green Team held two community planting days for the garden in May 2023! We are so grateful to the student and adult community members who gave their time to bring the garden to life!

The first was held in partnership with Hennepin County Master Gardeners and Armatage Elementary on May 19 where 4th and 5th graders planted so many of the new plants. Photo credit for above: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

The second planting day (pictured above) was with neighbors and Armatage residents to get the rest of the garden plants in the ground and watered and new bunny-proof fences installed.

Thank You, Funders!

The ANA received grant funding from both the State of Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration Program AND the Minneapolis People for Parks Foundation to fund a pollinator garden at the Washburn Tot Lot! Huge thanks to the ANA Green Team for their vision and fundraising.

Additional funds for the garden were provided by Minneapolis Parks’ park dedication fees and the Armatage Neighborhood Association!

Spring Open House Thank You

Thank you to everyone who joined the Pollinator Garden Open House on April 13!  We were so excited to see lots of neighbors at the park to hear about the project, sign up to volunteer, and enjoy free treats and bubbly water while kids played.

Fall Community Input

Thanks to everyone who gave input at our Fall Fun event on Sept 17 where we invited the community to vote on their favorite native plants and share their ideas for garden design elements. This event was shared widely through a neighborhood-wide mailing, eNews and on social media.

The favorite plants from the community event were warm-season native grasses such as Switchgrass and Prairie Dropseed. Preferred flowering natives were Bradbury’s monarda, wild bergamot, orange coneflower and purple coneflower. Durable elements like benches and a paver path were also requested based on community feedback, too.

Concept Design

Our project partner, Metro Blooms, has been hard at work crafting an initial concept design that incorporates all our community input. Please check out the initial concept design below: the new garden areas are shown in green and the purple areas are our existing play areas!

The final garden design (with plants!) was approved by the ANA and will go before the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board in April.

 

May 13, 2022 eNews

Image shows a collage of cats, dogs, chickens, and even a beared dragon and a hamster and has a blue circle that says "Armatage Pet Fest"

Armatage Pet Fest Tomorrow!

Bring your furry, feathered or scaled friends to Armatage Park for our first-ever Pet Fest TOMORROW (Saturday, May 14) from 2:00-4:00pm! All are welcome, whether you have a pet to bring or not.

  • Meet adorable rescue puppies!
  • Promenade in the parade (line-up at 2:15pm)
  • Enter to win Best Dressed, Looks Most Like Owner or Goofiest Look for fabulous prizes donated by Zeroish, Woof Central and Sparrow Cafe (contest at 3:00pm!
  • Visit a pet chiropractor, get a caricature, get nail clips, see an obedience demo with True Loyalty, grab human treats from Sparrow Cafe and more!
  • Bring food, cat litter and gently used supplies to the event for People & Pets Together. Prescription food and open bags are accepted – see the full list here.

Learn more and preregister for the contest or parade at armatage.org/petfest Hosted by the Armatage Community Engagement Committee.

Saturday Morning Garden Tool Swap

The citywide Garden Tool Swap happens tomorrow (Saturday, May 14) from 9:00am – 12:00pm at Armatage Park!  Bring unused yard tools, planting equipment and gardening items or pick up new supplies. You do not need to bring items to the event in order to take items home with you. Learn more at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/garden-tool-swap

Armatage Annual Meeting: Growing Together

The Armatage Annual Meeting is this Tuesday at 6:30pm and we hope you’ll attend! Find us next to the playground so kids can play while parents attend. In case of rain, we’ll meet indoors & masked at the Armatage Community Center.

Annual Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Updates from Elected Representatives (6:35pm)
    • State Representative Jamie Long
    • County Commissioner Marion Greene
    • Council Vice President Linea Palmisano
  • Growing Together: Stress Management & Relaxation Techniques with Julie Gramentz, Unwind Within (7:05pm)
  • Neighborhood Updates & Board Election Information (7:35pm)
  • Green Team
  • Community Engagement
  • Safety, Equity & Outreach
  • Board Election
  • Closing (7:55pm)

Get Ready for the Armatage Board Election!

Run for Board: step up as a leader in your community and run for the ANA Board! Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month and the time commitment is 5-6 hours/month. Members of under-represented communities are especially encouraged to run, including renters, people with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ+ or BIPOC. Register to run by Tuesday, May 17 at 9:00pm at https://armatage.org/2022boardelection/

Vote

Online voting will be open from Wednesday, May 18 at 9:00am through Wednesday, May 25 at 9:00pm at armatage.org. We’ll publish a candidate guide when voting opens so you can learn about the folks running for the Board and vote online. Even in an uncontested election, it’s still important to weigh in. Thanks in advance for making your voice heard!

Home Help MN

If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, association fees or lot rent because of COVID, get ready now to apply for the State’s Home Help MN program. Visit https://homehelpmn.org to learn more and access the “Get Ready” checklist.

Neighborhood Block Party

Calling all neighbors – there’s yet another fun activity happening on May 14! Logan Ave resident and local realtor, Christo Lane, is hosting a neighborhood-wide block party on the 5700 block of Logan Ave this Saturday, May 14 from 12:00–4:00pm! This event is open to all neighbors. Learn more at www.facebook.com/events/1579863332384634

(Have a free neighborhood opportunity you’d like us to share? Send us an email at anacoordinator@armatage.org)

Community Connections Conference: Forward Together

Register now for an exciting day of learning, connecting and community conversation. The City’s free Community Connections Conference on May 21 from 9:00am – 3:00pm connects residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. This year’s conference theme is “forward together,” welcoming all communities to reconnect with the City and get involved in moving Minneapolis forward. Register on the City website.The City is seeking volunteers for the conference. You can help welcome guests, guide people to community conversation sessions or keep lunch services running smoothly. Bilingual volunteers are especially helpful. Sign up to volunteer.Ride the bus or METRO light rail free to the Community Connections Conference May 21 courtesy of Metro Transit. Download your pass from Metro Transit.

Image shows a rain garden in a residential front yard with dappled sunshine coming through the trees and the light brick and tan siding of the home's exterior visible in the background.

Rain Garden Program Info Coming Soon!

The Green Team is happy to announce that this year’s Rain Garden Program received additional funding via the State of Minnesota’s competitive Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration grant program! This matching grant allows us to help pollinators throughout our neighborhood while sharpening our focus on accessibility and equity with priority given to seniors, renters, and low-income neighbors.

All are welcome to apply and the subsidy and support level will vary. More information will be shared here and at armatage.org later this month (apologies for the delay, neighbors!). You can also email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org to be added to our email notification list. Meanwhile, get inspired and check out our mini gallery of established Armatage rain gardens like this one on Logan Ave at https://armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/

Support the 2022 Armatage Art Show

Please consider supporting Armatage Elementary School by making a donation to the Art Show’s silent auction on May 19. Your donation will be recognized onsite the night of the event. To donate, please print and complete the donation form here, which also includes options for submitting your donation. Thank you for supporting our hard-working neighborhood elementary students and the arts at your local public school!

Fulton & Kingfield Farmers Markets Open Soon

May in Minnesota means that farmers’ market season has finally arrived! Fulton Farmers Market launches for the season on Saturday, May 21 and Kingfield Farmers Market on Sunday, May 22.  Swing by to see many of your favorite vendors and meet some amazing new vendors! More information can be found at www.neighborhoodrootsmn.org.

City Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors

We’re unfortunately experiencing another uptick in COVID spread and hospitalizations and the Minneapolis Health Department strongly recommends everyone – vaccinated or not – wear masks in indoor public settings like stores, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, schools, meetings, and local government offices serving the public.

Since mid-March, the seven-day new case rate in Minneapolis has increased by 340% from 51 COVID infections per 100,000 people to 227 per 100,000. That puts us in the high community transmission category. We’ve also seen a more than two-fold increase in our seven-day hospitalization rate since mid-March from 1.9 hospitalizations per 100,000 people to 4.8 hospitalizations, which is above the caution threshold. Learn more about the city’s COVID-19 response at www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

Vaccines: if you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below). Learn more about  boosters here.

Free Rapid Tests: order four totally free COVID-19 rapid tests per residential household at https://mn.gov/covid19/  Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

Graphic with a blue background and coral flowers that says "Donate Today. The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit."

Enjoy the eNews? Support Our Work

The Armatage Neighborhood Association works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

July 15, 2021 eNews

July 20 Meeting Agenda

All are welcome to join next week’s OUTDOOR meeting at Armatage Park! Please bring a chair if possible and plan to distance. In case of rain, our meeting will shift to Zoom. Register for the back-up Zoom link at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Armatage Equitable Engagement Fund and Plan Modification – Aryca Myers and Bob Cooper, City of Minneapolis
  • Safety Update – Jennifer Waisanen, Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Bookkeeping Candidate: Claire King – Judy Vecere, Treasurer
  • Equitable Engagement Plan Edits (Due Sept 1)
  • Coordinator Report:
    • Armatage Playground Celebration
    • Fall Programs and Newsletter Content:
    • Volunteers to Draft Fundraising Ask
  • Committee Action Needed:
    • Community Engagement: Funds for Aug 14 Event
    • Safety, Equity & Outreach: Funds for Sep 25 Event
    • Green Team
  • New Business

Summer Food Truck Night

Get ready for another Armatage neighborhood Food Truck Night! Five fabulous food trucks will be in the Armatage parking lot to take distanced orders. Enjoy live music from local band Unicorn! Swing by the ANA table for art activities, free kids books generously donated by Jump! and an All Are Welcome Lawn Sign. Bring your blanket or chairs and find a spot in the park to picnic.

More info including COVID-19 safety info is at armatage.org/summer-food-truck-night/

Household Hazardous Waste Events

Hennepin County is collecting household hazardous waste for residents to safely and properly dispose of unwanted household and lawn and garden products including paints, chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, batteries and fuels.  Residents must wear masks and remain in their vehicles.

Upcoming events in Minneapolis:

  • 9:00am – 4:00pm on July 30-31: Anthony Middle School, 5757 Irving Ave. S.
  • 9:00am – 4:00pm on August 13-14: South High School, 3131 19th Ave. S.

Visit Hennepin County’s household hazardous waste collection event webpage to learn what items you can bring to the event, review safety guidelines, and see all 2021 events.

New Solid Waste & Recycling Disposal Guide

There’s a NEW Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling Disposal Guide in town!  The City of Minneapolis has an easy-to-use, searchable website to get all your recycling and disposal “where does this go?” questions answered quickly and easily. Check it out at www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/disposal-guide/

Last Chance to Comment on Parks for All

Have you commented on the Parks for All Comprehensive Plan yet?  This week is your last chance before comment period ends this Sunday, July 18, 2021.

Your input is welcome whether you have been deeply involved in the planning process over the past two years or if you are hearing about this for the first time. There are numerous ways to learn about the plan and send feedback using the links below. Following the public comment period, the draft plan will be revised based on public input and presented to MPRB Commissioners for review and approval.

Share the Parks for All draft plan with your friends, family, neighbors or other networks using minneapolisparks.org/parksforalldraft or bit.ly/MPRBCompPlan.

Free the Deeds

Free the Deeds, an artist-driven initiative, is launching a city-wide project this month to build awareness of the history of racial covenants in housing in Minneapolis and to encourage action to repair the harm done by these covenants. Homeowners whose houses have a racial covenant will be encouraged to display a lawn sign in their yards that says “This house had a racial covenant” on one side and “Building equity, one deed at a time” on the other. Free the Deeds has been working with Armatage Reparations & Equity Action to launch this project.

All Minneapolis residents will have the chance to donate to down payment assistance for households who purchase homes through the African American Community Land Trust (AACLT), which focuses on significantly decreasing the historic racial disparities in the homeownership rate while increasing access to perpetually affordable homeownership in Minneapolis. Check out freethedeeds.org to learn more about what racial covenants were, how to find out if your home had one, and how to participate with this city-wide project.

National Night Out is August 3

National Night is just around the corner!  This year’s block events will likely look a little different due to COVID-19, but there are lots of ways to safely gather with your neighbors. Think about a BYO picnic dinner instead of a potluck, discuss safety guidelines (especially for neighbors who are not yet eligible to get vaccinated like children under 12), and offer activities that allow you to distance.

Apply here for your City of Minneapolis street closure permit by July 20. If your street isn’t eligible for closure, you can also host a neighborhood gathering in neighbors’ yards. Not sure if your block has a block leader? Contact our Crime Prevention Specialist, Jennifer Waisanen, at jennifer.waisanen@minneapolismn.gov and consider volunteering as a block leader. Learn more about block clubs at bit.ly/blockclubs

Block Leader Contact Info

We’re putting out another call for block leader contact information and need your help!  If you are an Armatage block leader and haven’t already done so, please send your name, address, email address, phone, and the block(s) that you represent to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org

Currently, city block leader info can’t be shared or accessed by neighborhood organizations so we’re working to build our own list. Thanks to the MANY of you who have already sent in your info! Interested in learning more about block and apartment clubs and how they work? Visit bit.ly/blockclubs

Free Business Advertising in Armatage Welcome Bags

Are you an Armatage neighborhood business that would like to advertise for FREE? Consider providing content for our new neighbor Welcome Bags!

The reusable bags contain useful information on our neighborhood, community involvement, area businesses and local government. Your contribution can include menus, brochures on your business, gift cards, coupons, branded trinkets, or even just business cards! It’s totally free contribute items for the Welcome Bags and you can also consider a tax deductible cash contribution to our non-profit organization to help support the cost of producing the bags. Email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org to contribute!

Thank you from the Armatage Community Engagement Committee. Learn more about the Welcome Bag program at armatage.org/programs/welcome-bags/   Pic of our ANA VP Kevin outside Café Cerés.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign and proudly display to spread the message that ALL are Welcome in Armatage. The ANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching contributions.

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your donation goes toward supporting the ANA’s work in our community. Order online at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ and, if you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll deliver your sign to your front yard. You can also find us at an upcoming in-person sale date at Armatage Park (weather permitting) – neighbors are encouraged to join meetings:

  • Tuesday, July 20 from 6:00-8:00pm at our Monthly Meeting
  • Saturday, Aug 14 from 4:00-6:00pm at the Summer Food Truck Night

2021 Windom Community Turf Alternatives Garden Tour

Windom Alternative Turf Garden Tour: July 17

Our friends at the Windom Community Council will host a tour of turf alternative gardens in Windom on Saturday, July 17 from 9:00am-12:00pm! Come view tour front yards and chat with experts including Master Gardeners, a native plant expert from Wild Ones, staff from Metro Blooms, and a Naturalist.

The garden tour is self-guided. Social distancing is encouraged. The final location list is available at https://www.windommpls.org/2021-windom-turf-alternative-gardentour

Home Energy Squad & 0% Loan Programs

The Home Energy Squad helps homeowners increase energy savings and comfort throughout the year.  During a two hour visit, a crew of two energy experts will visit your home to conduct an assessment to reveal opportunities for energy savings and the installation of energy saving products such as LED bulbs, door weather-stripping, water savers and a programmable thermostat, at no extra cost. There is also the option of a no-cost virtual consultation.

To increase energy savings this summer, for a limited time Xcel Energy is offering FREE smart thermostats for customers that have central air and sign up for the AC Rewards program. To help with financing energy efficiency upgrades Minneapolis residents can also take advantage of a 0% loan program. Recently the loan term increased to 10 years and the maximum increased to $20,000. To schedule an appointment with the Home Energy Squad, call 651-328-6220 or visit mncee.org/hes

Take the Hennepin County Natural Resources Survey

We all play a role in protecting our natural resources, and Hennepin County needs to hear from you as they update the Natural Resources Strategic Plan. The updated plan will seek to better align with new county initiatives, shifting demographics, and changing landscapes. This is the first opportunity to incorporate the county’s climate and racial equity priorities into the foundation of the plan, and they will be seeking input from the community throughout the year-long plan development process to ensure your values and priorities are reflected.

Take the survey

Take Hennepin County’s survey here by August 1, 2021, to help shape priorities and let them know how you would like to be engaged in the update of the plan.

July 8, 2021 eNews

Summer Food Truck Night

Get ready for another Armatage neighborhood Food Truck Night! Five fabulous food trucks will be in the Armatage parking lot to take distanced orders. Enjoy live music from local band Unicorn! Swing by the ANA table for art activities, free kids books generously donated by Jump! and an All Are Welcome Lawn Sign. Bring your blanket or chairs and find a spot in the park to picnic.

More info including COVID-19 safety info is at armatage.org/summer-food-truck-night/

National Night Out is August 3

National Night is just around the corner!  This year’s block events will likely look a little different due to COVID-19, but there are lots of ways to safely gather with your neighbors. Think about a BYO picnic dinner instead of a potluck, discuss safety guidelines (especially for neighbors who are not yet eligible to get vaccinated like children under 12), and offer activities that allow you to distance.

Apply here for your City of Minneapolis street closure permit by July 20. If your street isn’t eligible for closure, you can also host a neighborhood gathering in neighbors’ yards. Not sure if your block has a block leader? Contact our Crime Prevention Specialist, Jennifer Waisanen, at jennifer.waisanen@minneapolismn.gov and consider volunteering as a block leader. Learn more about block clubs at bit.ly/blockclubs

Block Leader Contact Info

We’re putting out another call for block leader contact information and need your help!  If you are an Armatage block leader and haven’t already done so, please send your name, address, email address, phone, and the block(s) that you represent to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org

Currently, city block leader info can’t be shared or accessed by neighborhood organizations so we’re working to build our own list. Thanks to the MANY of you who have already sent in your info! Interested in learning more about block and apartment clubs and how they work? Visit bit.ly/blockclubs

Free Business Advertising in Armatage Welcome Bags

Are you an Armatage neighborhood business that would like to advertise for FREE? Consider providing content for our new neighbor Welcome Bags!

The reusable bags contain useful information on our neighborhood, community involvement, area businesses and local government. Your contribution can include menus, brochures on your business, gift cards, coupons, branded trinkets, or even just business cards! It’s totally free contribute items for the Welcome Bags and you can also consider a tax deductible cash contribution to our non-profit organization to help support the cost of producing the bags.

Thank you from the Armatage Community Engagement Committee. Learn more about the Welcome Bag program at armatage.org/programs/welcome-bags/   Pic of our ANA VP Kevin outside Café Cerés.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign and proudly display to spread the message that ALL are Welcome in Armatage. The ANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching contributions.

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your donation goes toward supporting the ANA’s work in our community. Order online at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ and, if you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll deliver your sign to your front yard. You can also find us at an upcoming in-person sale date at Armatage Park (weather permitting) – neighbors are encouraged to join meetings:

  • Saturday, July 10 from 10:00-11:00am at our Safety Equity & Outreach meeting
  • Tuesday, July 20 from 6:00-8:00pm at our Monthly Meeting

City Council Adopts American Rescue Plan Spending

The Minneapolis City Council voted July 2 to approve the first round of American Rescue Plan funding for the City of Minneapolis. The approved $102 million in funding features a strong emphasis on economic recovery, affordable housing, and community safety measures while piloting new programming like a Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot.

The majority of the $102 million will be distributed beginning in August 2021. Mayor Frey will put forward his proposal for allocating the remaining approximately $169 million later this year.

View the final approved funding plan.

See details of the impacted programs.

Fall Park Registration is Open

Registration is now open for fall activities, programs, and sports through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board!  Check out youth programs and activities here.

There are also tons of adult sports league options to check out. Don’t have a team? Sign up as a Free Agent. Looking to make some extra cash? Consider becoming an adult sports official!

2021 Windom Community Turf Alternatives Garden Tour

Windom Alternative Turf Garden Tour: July 17

Our friends at the Windom Community Council will host a tour of turf alternative gardens in Windom on Saturday, July 17 from 9:00am-12:00pm! Come view tour front yards and chat with experts including Master Gardeners, a native plant expert from Wild Ones, staff from Metro Blooms, and a Naturalist.

The garden tour is self-guided. Social distancing is encouraged. The final location list will be coming soon at www.windommpls.org/2021-turf-to-alternative-garden-tour

Home Energy Squad & 0% Loan Programs

The Home Energy Squad helps homeowners increase energy savings and comfort throughout the year.  During a two hour visit, a crew of two energy experts will visit your home to conduct an assessment to reveal opportunities for energy savings and the installation of energy saving products such as LED bulbs, door weather-stripping, water savers and a programmable thermostat, at no extra cost. There is also the option of a no-cost virtual consultation.

To increase energy savings this summer, for a limited time Xcel Energy is offering FREE smart thermostats for customers that have central air and sign up for the AC Rewards program. To help with financing energy efficiency upgrades Minneapolis residents can also take advantage of a 0% loan program. Recently the loan term increased to 10 years and the maximum increased to $20,000. To schedule an appointment with the Home Energy Squad, call 651-328-6220 or visit
mncee.org/hes

Take the Hennepin County Natural Resources Survey

We all play a role in protecting our natural resources, and Hennepin County needs to hear from you as they update the Natural Resources Strategic Plan. The updated plan will seek to better align with new county initiatives, shifting demographics, and changing landscapes. This is the first opportunity to incorporate the county’s climate and racial equity priorities into the foundation of the plan, and they will be seeking input from the community throughout the year-long plan development process to ensure your values and priorities are reflected.

Take the survey

Take Hennepin County’s survey here by August 1, 2021, to help shape priorities and let them know how you would like to be engaged in the update of the plan.

Red Hot Art Events

Our friends at the Stevens Square Community Organization are holding 20 events across Stevens Square-Loring Heights from June to October that are free and open to all. That’s 20 chances to eat, dance, play, connect, and enjoy art all summer long! Visit https://www.stevenssquare.org/redhotart to learn more.

September 24, 2020 eNews


Sign up for the Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop

Racism is everybody’s problem, and it’s well past time to start talking about it. In this conversation series, Let’s Get Uncomfortable, we’re asking you to do just that. LGU is a facilitated space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism, its consequences, and how we all share the responsibility to do the work for change. Need a place to start? Here you go, get uncomfortable with us. This event is happening on Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, is sponsored by the Armatage Neighborhood Association and hosted by Danger Boat Productions.

Space is limited to 25 people. Please register here and consider making a donation: https://dangerboat.net/lgu-oct-6-armatage

Armatage Native Plant Rebates

The ANA and Green Team have launched our first-ever Native Plant Rebate program to increase pollinator habitat throughout the neighborhood! Now through September 30, you can purchase native plants locally and apply for a 50% rebate from the ANA up to $20/household.

See lists of native plants available at our local garden centers and learn more about the program here.

Take the Census by September 30

Hundreds of households in Minneapolis remain uncounted. This undercount could leave communities without resources and fair political representation for the next 10 years.

What can you do to help?

  1. Complete the census for everyone in your household. If your household misses the opportunity to complete the census this year, the next opportunity to be included won’t occur until 2030
  2. Already completed the census? Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.
  3. Share census information on social media. Post the link: my2020census.gov and tell your networks about the importance of getting counted.

The data obtained by the census allows the federal government to determine where to allocate resources for things like schools, parks, roads and much more. Our communities deserve the proper funding for resources we rely on including programs and services like SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and Head Start. Visit My2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020 and get counted before the Sept. 30 deadline.


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

Sign up to adopt a new storm drain in the neighborhood, commit to keeping it clean and free of debris that could pollute our waterways, and enter to win a $25 gift card from the ANA! All the details you need to get started are at armatage.org/adoptadrain The challenge ends September 30.


Sign up for the Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Join the Armatage Green Team for a safe and distanced clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am as part of the citywide Litter Be Gone events! This is a great, meaningful opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show our neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling from ending up in our waterways. We provide the supplies and a $5 gift card per household as a thank you. Learn more and sign up here.

City Begins Public Review of Draft Built Form Regulations

The City has launched the 45-day comment period for the public to review draft built form regulations that will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions to implement the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide regulations on  building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, and more.

Upcoming online open houses on proposed regulations:

Read more about how to comment on the draft regulations.


Free Meals Available at School Sites

Free meal boxes are now available at 29 school sites. All families are invited to participate in this free program and do not have to have a student in Minneapolis Public Schools. Families can pick up one box per child per week.

Most sites will be open from 11:00am – 3:00pm with some sites open 11:00am-5:00pm. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools website for locations, menus and special diet information.

Early Voting & Absentee Ballots

Early voting has started at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online. Allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101

Absentee ballots cannot be brought to your polling place but you can drop them off at the Early Vote Center (address above) or the Hennepin County Elections office (skyway level of Hennepin County Government Center at 300 South 6th Street).


Southwest Parks Plan Hearing: October 7

The MPRB will hold a public hearing on the Southwest Parks Plan on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:45pm during the regular Board of Commissioners meeting. The plan sets a vision for the improvement, operation and management of all neighborhood parks in Southwest Minneapolis over the next 20-30 years and was created after nearly two years of community-based engagement, planning and design with individuals, neighborhood groups and community organizations.

The public is encouraged to view the meeting from home and email comments on the plan to the Secretary to the Board at jringold@minneapolisparks.org before 3:30 pm on October 7. Comments should be limited to approximately 300 words, which is similar to three minutes when read out loud by the Secretary at the Board meeting.

The proposed Southwest Parks Plan will be published to the project page (minneapolisparks.org/sw) on Friday, October 2. After the hearing, the Planning Committee will consider approval of the Southwest Parks Plan. The full board could consider final approval at either its October 21 or November 4 meeting.

How Energy Efficient is Your Neighborhood

In January, the City of Minneapolis launched a one-of-a-kind energy disclosure for homes being sold in the city. Energy efficiency has consistently been a part of the conversation for people buying and selling homes and this policy allows people to see how efficiently homes use energy.

The map is growing of homes that have received an energy score. You can view the scores in your neighborhood by visiting mncee.org/tish/yourscore The City of Minneapolis provides resources for people to make cost-effective energy improvements on their homes:

  • Up to $1,000 in cash-back rebates
  • Up to $500 in energy tax credits
  • 0% interest loans for the upfront cost

To make this all possible, the City Minneapolis and CenterPoint Energy have partnered with local nonprofit, Center for Energy and Environment, to provide an Energy Advisor service to assist homeowners with energy upgrades.  We all can do our part to make our city a greener place to live while improving the comfort and value of our homes. For more information and to get connected with resources: call: 651-328-6225 or visit: mncee.org/tish.


Download the Armatage Art Journal

Thank you to our neighbors who submitted their artwork and creations to help document this unique moment of time in Armatage. We’ve been hard at work organizing submissions and the final journal is ready! Visit armatage.org/art to download a PDF or EPUB e-book format of the Art Journal.

About the Art Journal: submissions were collected during May and June during quarantine from COVID-19 and the civil unrest in Minneapolis. We were blown away by the creativity and beauty that we received and hope you are, too. Huge thanks to our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, for layout and design and to Board Members, Joel Federer and Donte Mearon, for their leadership and hard work on this project.

Native Plants

The amazing native plant selection at Mother Earth Gardens in S Mpls!

Locally Available Native Plants

The ANA Green Team did some digging as assembled this list of fabulous, locally-available native plants for our new Native Plant Rebate program:

Tangletown Gardens

Bachman’s

Wagners

Mother Earth Gardens (3738 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis)
Native plants are on racks near front entrance.

Shade

Part-Sun/Full Sun

Prairie/Full Sun

Another favorite resource for learning more about native plants is Blue Thumb’s online guide, which has a great plant finder.

May 7, 2020 eNews

Armatage Park Play Area Improvements Survey

Dreaming of when we’ll be able to safely play in parks again? Us too! In the meantime,  please help weigh in on upcoming improvements for the Armatage Park Play Area by taking the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s survey and signing up for project updates at https://bit.ly/ArmatagePark

This survey is open through May 22 and is expected to be first in a series on prioritizing and designing improvements. Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and opinions for our beloved park! Click here to take the Armatage Park survey.

Gardening Happy Hour on May 12

Tuesday, May 12
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/502813335

Social distancing got you craving connection? Our Happy Hour topic of the month is gardening, so come discuss your adventures with vegetable gardens, perennials, annuals, hard-scaping and dealing with the urban critters who disrupt our plans (🐿+🐇). Open to all, even if you don’t live in the neighborhood.

Thanks to the Armatage Green Team for hosting this month’s Neighborhood Happy Hour!

Monday, May 18
7:00-8:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83728133761

Thinking of making a change that will have a huge impact on your family’s environmental footprint? Now is the perfect time to start organics recycling and check out our free Organics Recycling How-to Workshop on May 18! We’ll cover what can and can’t go into the green cart, tips and tricks, and lots of ideas to affordably set up your home. Open to all, even if you live outside Armatage. Learn more at https://armatage.org/online-organics-recycling-workshop/

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

There’s still time to help ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and public services by getting more of your friends, family and neighbors to take the 2020 Census.

Help out and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses. All Minneapolis residents are eligible to enter.

Help is Available

Safety at Home: Stay at Home should never mean you stay somewhere unsafe. There are places of sanctuary open for anyone facing abuse or violence. Please call Minnesota’s statewide crisis hotline – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 1.866.223.1111 or text 612.399.9995.

Unemployment Support: Minnesota is one of the first states to implement both the $600 per week additional compensation and the 13 week extension of benefits. Find these and answers to other unemployment questions here.

Mental Health: If you’re worried about a loved one, or if you want someone to talk to, know you can reach out. We have a website with mental health resources. You’re not alone in this challenge.

Find info on assistance programs, free food and meals, chore help, local businesses, volunteer opportunities, kids activities and more at https://armatage.org/covid19.  Please keep sharing this link!


Sign up for the Rain & Native Garden Program

We’ve teamed up with local nonprofit, Metro Blooms, again this year to help Armatage residents install a low cost rain or native garden. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and there are just a couple left!  Apply today at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/

Participants pay an average of $300-$450 and are responsible for planting and maintaining their garden. Additional need-based grants are available through the ANA for residents who meet income guidelines: click here for guidelines and to apply for additional assistance. We’ve been busy retooling the program with your safety in mind so site visits and installations will take place through social distancing – learn more at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/.

Adopt-A-Tree with Brewing a Better Forest

In honor of Arbor Day and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, consider adopting a tree.  There’s no housebreaking or litterbox training. No obedience classes. All an adopted street tree asks of you is water – once a week through the current growing season.

Brewing a Better Forest has thousands of public trees available for adoption, including many in Armatage: Select yours today.


Free Virtual Home Energy Visits

The Home Energy Squad is now offering free virtual home energy visits to help you find your biggest energy savings. The cost-free visit is conducted online to help you discover low cost energy-saving opportunities. They’ll also help identify possible future projects to save you even more, so you’ll be ready for action when the time comes. Learn more and sign up at https://www.mncee.org/home-energy-squad/sign-up/

You can also sign up to borrow the Armatage Thermal Camera to pinpoint energy waste through a no contact pick-up and drop-off at https://armatage.org/thermal-camera/


Doors Open Minneapolis Facts & Photo Contest

Learn about your community as you enjoy Doors Open Minneapolis’ new project, Strolls Through the Streets. Check out facts and addresses of notable landmarks around the city here.

You can also enter this year’s photo contest on Instagram and share the exterior of your favorite venue to win $250 for you + $250 for a COVID relief charity of your choice. Learn more at https://www.doorsopenminneapolis.org/stroll

Transportation Action Plan Open House

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

One more Open House is scheduled for you to hear about the plan, give input, and interact in real time:

NRPA Social Distancing Graphic

Minneapolis Park Closures

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board made the difficult decision to close playgrounds, skate parks, athletic fields, and courts last week. Check out the closure details at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

Parks and trails are still open during this time. Please do your part to keep them safe for everyone, which means…

  • Bringing a water bottle, hand sanitizer, etc. while buildings are closed
  • Not visiting parks or trails if you feel sick with a fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and/or sore throat.
  • Staying at least six feet away from anyone who doesn’t live with you.
  • Washing your hands immediately before and after visiting a park.
  • Walking or rolling to your local parks. The MPRB has asked that folks don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular park attractions.
  • Not holding any group activities with people who don’t live with you.

Extended Stay at Home Details

ICYMI, our #StayHomeMN order is extended through May 18 but many retail and other businesses can start offering online sales and curbside pick-up. Learn more at https://mn.gov/covid19/

 

April 22, 2020 eNews

50th Anniversary of Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970.  Scroll below for all kinds of green info including a DIY Earth Day clean-up and easy ways to take action to protect our planet.

April 21 Meeting Recap

Council Member Palmisano gave an update on the City’s response to COVID-19 and City services. Armatage Park Director Jordan Nelson shared MPRB’s new Ambassador program, which is stationing staff at all park properties throughout the City to serve as a resource. Armatage Park’s playground is up for reconstruction over the next year and the ANA is working with the MPRB on engagement and minimizing impact on the neighborhood.

The ANA will hold virtual Annual Meeting and Online Board Elections on June 16 (look for more details to come) and continue monthly virtual Happy Hours with different topics (next month’s Happy Hour is May 12 at 8:00pm with the topic of gardening). In May and June, the ANA will collect pictures of neighborhood art, poetry, knitting/crocheting, gardens, sidewalk art, etc. to create a final pdf or video. The board approved this year’s Mini Grant recipients and the sign-ups for the 2020 Rain & Native Garden program are underway (see below).

Minneapolis Housing Gap Funding – apply by April 27

Applications are now open for the City of Minneapolis’s Housing Gap Funding.  Eligible expenses include rent payments, utility payments and/or other housing stability related costs.  Apply by 12:00pm on Monday, April 27 at http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/gap-funding. Please help spread the word!

Find links to the Gap Funding program, assistance programs, free food and meals,  unemployment, chore help, volunteer opportunities, and kids activities at https://armatage.org/covid19.  Thank you to everyone who has shared this resource with their block’s e-list or on social media. 

DIY Earth Day Clean-up

Join the Parks’ Annual Earth Day Park Clean-up, DIY style! Sometime during the month of April….

  1. Use a trash bag from home.
  2. Head to a nearby park or trail and pick up trash you see, while getting fresh air and exercise!
  3. Practice social distancing and other current COVID-19 guidelines. Learn more at www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/
  4. Share pictures your trash haul on our Facebook page – at @MPLSEarthDay – and get a prize!

Learn more at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/events/earth_day_cleanup/

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

We need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more. Help out and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses. All Minneapolis residents are eligible to enter.

Sign up for the Armatage Rain & Native Garden Program

The Armatage Neighborhood Association is teaming up with local nonprofit, Metro Blooms, again this year to help Armatage residents install a low cost rain or native garden. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and virtual consultations will start right away. Apply today at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/

Participants pay an average of $300-$450 and are responsible for planting and maintaining their garden. Additional need-based grants are available through the ANA for residents who meet income guidelines: click here for guidelines and to apply for additional assistance. We’ve been busy retooling the program with your safety in mind so site visits and installations will take place through social distancing – learn more at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/.

Transportation Action Plan Open Houses

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Two more Open Houses are scheduled for you to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time:

example Recycling Reminder email

Sign up for Recycling Reminder emails

We encourage you to sign up for our Recycling Reminder emails. By signing up you’ll receive an email every other week that includes:

  • Holiday collection delay notices
  • Seasonal service reminders like the start and end of yard waste collection
  • Tips and tricks to reduce waste, recycle and compost more
  • Notifications of upcoming waste reduction, reuse, and recycling events
  • Fun facts about what happens to your garbage, recycling, organics recycling, etc.

Sign up by finding your recycling day, and clicking “Sign up for Recycling Reminders”.

Fall street sweeping begins Oct. 22

Street Sweeping is Underway

Street sweeping began this week and will continue for the next several weeks.  Look for temporary “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before your street is scheduled. Spring street sweeping is critical clean leaves, debris and other pollutants from the more than 1,000 miles of city streets and alleys to protect our waterways.  Click here to see when your street is scheduled to be swept.

Last Chance to Comment on the SW Parks Master Plan

The comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan ends on April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.


 

December 23, 2019 eNews

Happy Holidays from the Armatage Neighborhood Association!

December 17 Meeting Recap

Council Member Linea Palmisano gave an update on the City Budget, new law enforcement training facility, and Vision Zero Plan implementation that may include safety efforts like lowering the speed limit for all Minneapolis streets, adjustments to high injury corridors, addressing unsafe behavior, education, and enforcement.

The Board voted to renew both the Coordinator and Accountant staffing contracts for 2020. Our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, and Accountant, Rachel Ireland-Henry, are looking forward to another great year with the ANA! The Board also discussed its anticipated 2020 programming, including a few upcoming events in January:

  • Neighborhood Happy Hour • January 14 • 7:00-9:00pm • Red Wagon Pizza
  • Chili Cook-off • January 24 • 6:30-8:30pm • Armatage Park’s Fire & Ice event.
  • Mini Grants Info Session • January 30 • 7:00pm • Book Club Restaurant

Armatage Chili Cook-off

Friday, January 24
6:30-8:30pm
Armatage Park Fire & Ice Skating Party

Do you claim to have the best chili? Put it to the test and sign up for the First Annual Armatage Chili Cook-off to compete against your neighbors and claim the prize of the best chili in the neighborhood.

The Chili Cook-off takes place inside the Armatage Rec Center on Friday, January 24 from 6:30-8:30pm as part of Armatage Park’s Fire & Ice free skating party. Registration closes on Sunday, January 19 so competitors are encouraged to sign up here as soon as possible to reserve their spot. It’s free to compete and just $5 to eat. Competitors should plan to bring a full crock-pot or instant pot of chili to the park by 6:00pm on January 24.


Last Chance for a 2019 Safety Rebate

The Armatage Neighborhood Association offers rebates to residents for up to $100 per calendar year for eligible home safety updates. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your exterior lighting, deadbolt locks, adding security cameras, or more, check our list of eligible expenses and apply for a Safety Rebate before December 31 to take advantage of the 2019 program. If you’ve already gotten a rebate this year, you’ll have the opportunity to apply again in January.

The Resident Safety Rebate program is open to both renters and homeowners and the Business Safety Rebate program is open to any business operating in Armatage. Learn more at armatage.org/programs/safety-rebate-program


If you have a neighborhood project or idea you have always wanted to explore, we invite you to apply for a Mini Grant to support that dream. Applications for the next round of funding will be available on January 6, 2020 at armatage.org/mini-grants and are due February 29, 2020.

Any resident or organization connected to Armatage can apply for up to $1,000 to support a project that directly benefits the neighborhood. Some restrictions apply: grant funds cannot be used for general operating, food, entertainment, religious, partisan, or capital expenses. Learn more at armatage.org/mini-grants or save the date for our upcoming Info Sessions:

  • Thursday, January 30 • 7:00pm • Book Club (5411 Penn Ave S)
  • Tuesday, February 11 • 7:00pm • Armatage Park

pic

Comprehensive District Design Studies & Listening Sessions

Have you been following the district’s Comprehensive District Design process that aims to increase equity and close student achievement gaps in MPS?  Two new studies available this week propose changes to Minneapolis Public Schools’ magnet programs and community school boundaries. The studies outline significant proposed changes for Armatage School and Zone 3. If passed by the school board next spring, proposed changes would start to take effect in Fall 2021.

Community listening sessions are scheduled for January and February and you can also give feedback online.  Learn more about the Comprehensive District Design process here.

Comment on the City’s ADA Transition Plan

The City of Minneapolis is seeking public comment on the draft Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for Public Works – a plan that identifies priorities for removing accessibility barriers in the City’s public right of way.

The City is accepting comments on the draft plan through December 27. It is a supplemental plan to the City’s ADA Action Plan, a comprehensive policy document for the City of Minneapolis to comply with the Title II requirements of the ADA. The draft plan was last updated in 2012.

55th & Washburn Holiday Lights

Learn all about how the 5500 block of Washburn Avenue S hangs their magical holiday lights along the boulevard from Armatage resident Jess Bell at armatage.org/lights

Photo credit: Matt Sepeta


Apply for Lawns to Legumes Pollinator Grants

Applications are now open for the state’s new Lawns to Legumes Assistance program, through which all Minnesota residents are eligible to apply for a $350 cost-share in order to establish pollinator habitat in their yards. Applications will be chosen through a randomized drawing, with priority given to projects in high-priority areas – including our community! The first application period runs through Feb. 28. Submit your materials today!

Community outreach Q&A

Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan

On October 25, 2019, the Minneapolis City Council adopted a resolution to approve the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Implementation of the plan is already underway and will focus on achieving the goals of eliminating racial disparities, expanding housing options, addressing climate change and improving the lives of residents throughout Minneapolis.

Initial implementation efforts include a text amendment to the zoning ordinance that allows 3-unit residential buildings in areas previously reserved for only single-family residences, and a permanent Inclusionary Zoning ordinance, both of which go into effect on January 1, 2020. In the coming years the City will continue to implement elements of the 2040 Plan.


Free Manufacturing Career Training

Local nonprofit HIRED is offering free manufacturing career training and certification courses.  The next round of training begins January 21, 2020 and priority is given to Minneapolis residents. Learn more and apply at http://www.hired.org/training/manufacturing/

November 19, 2019 Minutes

Meeting Minutes

Date: November 19, 2019

Called to Order: 6:32PM

Presided by: Joel Federer (President)

Note taker: Brett Anderson

Board members in attendance: Tyler Mulcahey, Sara Fulton-Koerbling, Donte Mearon, Brett Anderson, Lauren Anderson (Coordinator), Adam Miller, Michael Kootsikas, Adriana Dobrzycka, Judy Vecere, Sara Fulton-Koerbling

Others in attendance: Rachel Ireland-Henry (Accountant), Nikki (Park Department), Jordan (Park Department), and three neighborhood members

Board members absent: Patty Grabski, Ryan Antkowiak

November 19, 2019 Agenda 

6:30pm     Welcome & Introductions

6:35pm     Park Staffing Change – Nikki has left as Park Director replacing her is Jordan Nelson.  Jordan introduced himself.

6:45pm     ANA Plan Modification – Lauren, Sara, and Joel presented on the ANA Plan Modification

  • Overview of City funding for neighborhoods
    • Overview of current funding for ANA.  Currently receive approx. $31K per year from the City via CPP
    • Have $222,500 of non-contracted funds from NRP funds. Plan mod is to put them under contract
    • N2020 Overview
    • FAQ on neighborhood organizations what they do and don’t do
  • Draft funding plan presented to the community in October
  • Community engagement process
    • Overview of the community process ANA engaged in
  • Summary of community feedback received
    • Pedestrian safety, park improvement, green initiatives, senior support, non-child based activities for neighbors of different ages
  • Proposed plan
    • Funding amounts are for 4 years of services.  Total is $222,500.
    • For the $15K that was left for community suggestions the $15K was proposed to be allocated to Pedestrian safety, park improvements, and green initiatives based on the proportion of persons suggesting it be used for each of those areas.
    • Presented final proposed plan with the updated totals to include the $15K referenced above.
  • Comments from attendees – max 1 min each
    • Question from Audience: What is pedestrian safety and what can we as a neighborhood use that on:
      • Answer: smaller grass root things (e.g., can organize crosswalk people to usher people across at busy intersections, reflective leashes for pets).
  • Final edits to funding plan
  • Voting process – board and those in attendance who are eligible to vote (18+ age, Armatage resident or business representative)
  • Next steps if approved are a legal review with the City and then NRP policy board reviews and approves on 1/21/19.

Motions:

  • Motion for the board to consider and vote on each component of the plan modification separately, motion approved.  
  • Motion to transfer $40,000 to existing Neighborhood Priority 2.1.4 Raingardens from the following sources:
    • $69.70 NRP Phase II Plan 1.1.1. Youthstart Work Program
    • $2,500.00 NRP Phase II Plan 1.1.2. Youth Involvement Program
    • $463.55 NRP Phase II Plan 1.1.3. After School Educational Support Programs
    • $7,373.93 NRP Phase II Plan 1.1.1. Responsible Driving Program
    • $29,592.82 NRP Phase II Program Income 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program.  Motion approved.
  • Motion to transfer $15,000 to existing Safety Priority C.1.2.1 Community Safety (Safety Rebates) from the following sources:
    • $2,831.02 NRP Phase II Plan 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program
    • $3,395.27 NRP Phase I Plan 1.A.2. Home Improvement Program
    • $8,773.71 NRP Phase II Program Income 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program.  Motion approved.
  • Motion to transfer $6,000 to existing Neighborhood Priority 2.1.7 Informal Gatherings from the following source:
    • $6,000.00 NRP Phase II Program Income 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program.  Motion approved.
  • Motion to transfer $14,000 to existing Neighborhood Priority 2.1.10 Mini Grants from the following source:
    • $14,000.00 NRP Phase II Program Income 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program.  Motion approved.
  • Motion to transfer $4,000 to existing Neighborhood Priority 2.1.8 Improve Park Facilities from the following source:
    • $4,000 NRP Phase II Program Income 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program.  Motion approved.
  • Motion to transfer $78,500 to a new Neighborhood Priority for Staffing from the following sources:
    • $51,055.00 NRP Phase II Plan 1.2.1. Pedestrian Scale Lighting/Banners
    • $2,350.00 Program income 1.2.1. Pedestrian Scale Lighting/Banners
    • $16,000.00 NRP Phase II Plan 1.4.1. “Know Your Neighbor”; Program
    • $9,095.00 NRP Phase II Program Income 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program.  Motion approved.
  • Motion to transfer $44,000 to a new Neighborhood Priority for Community Engagement from the following source:
    • $44,000 NRP Phase II Program Income 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program.  Motion approved.
  • Motion to transfer $17,000 to a new Neighborhood Priority for Traffic Calming & Pedestrian Safety from the following source:
    • $17,000 NRP Phase II Program Income 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program.  Motion approved.
  • Motion to transfer $4,000 to a new Neighborhood Priority for Environmental & Greening Programming from the following source:
    • $4,000 NRP Phase II Program Income 1.1.1. Home Improvement Program.  Motion approved.

7:30pm Coordinator Update

  • Upcoming projects:
    • Chili Cook-off – to be done during Fire and Ice.  Adriana, Adam and Donte volunteered to work with Lauren to plan this event.  The group to discuss with Jordan (Park Board) food permit.
    • Office Clean-out – Due to the water damage need to clean out the ANA office.  Judy to help Lauren. If anyone else is interested please contact Lauren.

7:40pm Other Business – None

7:45pm President’s Report 

  • Judy is stepping down from her board seat in 7 months.  The next board member will have approximately 1 year remaining from Judy’s term.

7:50pm Minutes – approved via email

Treasurer Report – financials emailed

7:55pm Committee Updates

  • Green Team:
    • 2020 Rain Garden program – For 2020 the $10K will be spread out among 15 rain gardens to allow more people to participate and get some subsidy.  In general the subsidy will go down. However, the group is still discussing offering additional income based grants which were introduced last year.
    • There was a nice bump in people signing up to adopt a drain after the latest eblast.
    • The group is considering doing some organics recycling outreach in 2020
    • Question: Can we require zero impact or offer more $ to events that we are supporting if they comply?  The board seemed interested in exploring this in the future especially for Park Board events.
  • Mini Grants:
    • 2020 Mini Grants dates
      • There will be one cycle in 2020 with up to 4 grants for $1000 each awarded
      • The program will be announced and open on January 7th 2020 and the deadline will be February 28, 2020.  Awards are expected to be announced Mid-April.
      • Anyone interested in participating in the process should contact Adriana.

Meeting adjourned at 7:29 pm